You have purchased a new bed, sheets, and the comforter that you have always wanted. You are so excited to lay down the first night and enjoy the best night of sleep you have ever had. You get in, lay down, and realize you still have a flat, overused pillow. You start to wonder how you overlooked updating your pillow.
If you purchased a new mattress with the hopes of getting a better night’s sleep, you may not have thought that your pillow could be the issue. Having a worn-out pillow or the wrong pillow for your needs can lead to just as many problems as a poor mattress can.
If you are ready to purchase a new pillow, take a look at our guide below for more tips on how to choose the right one for you.
According to SleepFoundation.org, pillows should be replaced anywhere every 1 to 2 years. How often you need to replace your pillow depends on your pillow’s material and how well you care for it. Regular cleaning and changing out your pillowcase can prolong the pillow's life.
Some telltale signs it is time for a new pillow include:
When it comes to pillow shopping you need to consider what position you generally sleep in. Are you a back sleeper, stomach sleeper, or a side sleeper? The position you sleep in will determine the firmness and thickness you need. Some companies list on their packaging which position they recommend each pillow be used.
You can find pillows in varying degrees of firmness. Options range from very soft, medium soft, medium, medium-firm, and very firm. Side sleepers should generally choose a medium soft pillow and back sleepers are usually most comfortable with a medium firmness pillow. Stomach sleepers are generally recommended to a medium-firm pillow.
These are general guidelines of what works best for most people. No one knows your preferences better than you do and what will make you most comfortable.
There are many different options for pillow materials. Some materials are easier to care for or will last longer. Here is a breakdown of each basic type of pillow material and its benefits.
Cotton is one of the most common pillow materials. These pillows are breathable and soft but not necessarily the most comfortable. They also break down faster than most pillows and absorb sweat very easily, decreasing their life span. They are very affordable though so replacing them more often is not as much of a financial issue.
Memory foam pillows are very supportive and can be purchased in two types: shredded memory foam and block memory foam. Shredded memory foam pillows are similar to a traditional pillow but with memory foam cubes inside rather than cotton or down. Block memory foam pillows are filled with a solid piece of memory foam.
Brands like Malouf offer premium memory foam pillows with their signature Zoned Dough™ and ActiveDough™ foam that provide a more supportive surface than standard memory foam.
Similar to memory foam, you can get a latex pillow. These also come in the same two types and are also very supportive. Latex is much easier to clean and makes it easier to avoid any moisture-related issues such as mold and mildew. Latex pillows are a more sustainable choice than other materials since natural latex is biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Down pillows can be a more expensive option. This is a great pillow that is mostly hypoallergenic unless you happen to be allergic to ducks or geese. It is a warm and very comfortable option but does not provide a ton of support.
Down alternative pillows are also available for people that are allergic to ducks or geese. These provide a similar level of softness and comfort but without the premium price of standard down. Down alternative pillows are generally not as warm or durable and therefore it will not last nearly as long.
Feather pillows are similar to down pillows but not quite as comfortable and are usually much cheaper. Generally, feather pillows are filled with a mix of down material and feathers to provide a softer pillow overall.
Innerspring pillows are designed similar to an innerspring mattress which gives them good airflow and helps them stay cool. Unfortunately, these pillows can be quite expensive due to their design and materials.
If you want a low-maintenance pillow that does not require regular fluffing, consider a gel pillow. Gel pillows are generally layered with another material like memory foam as well. They have a consistent firmness and are hypoallergenic. The cooling sensation from the gel can be pain-relieving as well.
Bedzzz carries several pillows that are infused with cooling gel to provide a cooler night’s sleep and keep you comfortable longer.
A supportive and sturdy option would be microbeads. These are just like airplane pillows you can buy. They are very breathable and cool while sleeping. Microbeads, however, are not good for the environment. The material used to make the beads can take many hundreds of years to break down.
In an effort to provide the best sleep possible, many brands like Tempur-Pedic and Malouf have designed pillows that combine multiple materials into one. Here are some of our most recommended pillows that combine multiple materials and infusions to provide a superior sleep.
If you are looking for the perfect pillow, let our team of experts at Bedzzz Express help you make the right selection. We pride ourselves and offering the best products and have the best return policy in the industry. Stop into one of our locations today or contact us for more information.
Plus get a free pillow!